A man who stepped in front of a bus has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The 30-year-old was involved in the accident at 9pm on Saturday night on the corner of Stockton Road and Mary Street, Sunderland.

The man stepped out in front of the bus before the driver could hit the brakes and stop.

Anyone with any information on the accident is asked to call Northumbria Police on: (0191) 454 7555.

Fan in hospital

A FOOTBALL fan hit in the face by a firework at Newcastle United's match with Wolves was hoping to go home today after spending a second night in hospital.

Denise Butler required surgery to stitch a deep cut to her face after a rocket, from a display, shot sideways into the crowd at the Molineux ground shortly before the game on Saturday.

Uni fees revolt

THE GOVERNMENT was set to delay a vote on introducing variable top-up fees for university students as a Commons revolt spearheaded by former Cabinet Minister Nick Brown, pictured, continued to grow.

Robbery charge

A MAN has been charged with robbery after an incident in which an eight-month pregnant woman was attacked.

Mark Mole, 21, of no fixed address, was due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court today. The charge follows an incident at Bhandal's News, Walker Road, Newcastle, on Friday evening.

Chip pan blaze

FIREFIGHTERS had to force their way into a flat at Walkergate House in Walker, Newcastle, after a chip pan caught fire and the landing filled with smoke. A 29-year-old man in the house suffered smoke inhalation but had managed to put a damp tea towel over the burning pan.

Power black-out

HUNDREDS of homes in Northumberland were left without electricity for seven hours after high winds blew a tree branch into overhead power lines.